Argentina: Striking sense of political responsibility

Farmers renew protests

Looking back on the last few months, one of the most striking differences between Argentina and the United States is the amount of protesting that goes on, and how completely dedicated the Argentine people seem to be when it comes to showing their government how they feel. It's been said for a while that in the United States we have a huge problem of political indifference, and that indifference is easy to see when you look at statistics such as voter turnout, etc. But after coming here, the difference has been blown into surprising contrast.

Maybe I would have a different perspective if I lived in DC, and was close enough to the seat of the federal government in the United States that I'd see more of the political activity that goes on. And legitimately, the differences between the two countries - in government, in infrastructure, in armed forces - all play a part in this difference as well. But it is a truly affecting thing to be walking through the city and to be able to hear the banging together of pots and pans from a mile away simply because of the amount of people that are participating, and then to hear the protest spread as the drivers in the streets take up the cause by sounding the car horns, and before you know it the entire city is full of noise, and completely immersed in the demonstration.

I was lucky enough that while I was here, I was in 2 classes that helped me to understand better Argentina as a country and how it worked. I have a better understanding now of Argentina's tumultuous (understatement) political and economic history, and at least a basic understanding of the differences between how their government and our government work. For example - the problem that we have in the United States with low voter turnout is something that here doesn't exist - voting in all elections is something that is obligatory for every person of age. Maybe this has something to do with the greater sense of political responsibility.

Effects of farming strikes

I don't know if it would right to say that I am "fortunate" to be in Argentina now and know the country and the people at this particular time; because right now is certainly a rough time for the country and its people. Inflation and taxes are rising at record levels and the peoples' salaries can't quite keep up, and the government and the Central Bank seem to be proving themselves over and over again to be not quite competent when it comes to handling the current problems of the country. But I do definitely appreciate the experience and the perspective it's offered.